Keeping Your Mouth Healthy After an Extraction

Whether it’s overcrowding, decay, physical damage, or infection, there are many reasons you might need to have a tooth extracted. No matter the root cause, tooth extractions ensure your mouth stays as healthy as possible.

At Chester Family Dentistry, located in Warren, Ohio, we understand dental extractions can be intimidating. Our experienced and highly-skilled dentists, Dr. Ana Chester, Dr. Amy Caicco, and Dr. Joseph Dagati, provide gentle dental care to patients of all ages. 

We provide extractions when necessary for your oral health, using the best method possible to keep the process pain free and simple. With that said, the extraction process doesn’t end with the tooth’s removal. 

To ensure the best possible outcome, it’s important to follow aftercare guidelines. That's why we created this guide; to keep your mouth healthy after an extraction.

What happens before and during my extraction?

At Chester Family Dentistry, we'll study the position of the tooth’s roots and the condition of the bone surrounding the tooth. This information helps us plan for the best possible extraction method and, hopefully, avoid potential problems. 

Before the procedure, you'll receive anesthesia. Most of our patients require only local anesthetics for their extraction. Depending on how many teeth are being removed and how complicated the procedure is. However, your dentist may discuss additional sedatives.

How long will it take to recover from my tooth extraction?

The length of recovery after a tooth extraction depends on several factors, such as how many teeth were removed and where. Different teeth have different sized roots and different root depths. 

In general, most of our patients find their discomfort significantly diminishes after about three days. Around the 10th day, most of our patients can resume normal oral behaviors.

What can I do after my extraction to keep my mouth healthy?

You’ll heal faster and have a healthier mouth if you keep the blood clot that forms after extraction in place and keep your mouth comfortable. You can do that by following the post-extraction instructions from your dentist as well as these tips.

Do:

• Leave the gauze in place for three to four hours after the procedure
• Take pain medication as indicated by your dentist
• Ice the side of your jaw where the extraction took place for 10 minutes at a time
• Take it easy and rest for 24 hours after the extraction
• Brush and floss the rest of your teeth normally 
• Eat soft foods, like soup, for a day or two after the extraction
• Elevate your head with an extra pillow when sleeping
• Rinse with warm salt water or saline solution three days after your procedure

Don’t:

• Smoke (smoking increases the risk of complications, like dry socket)
• Rinse, spit, or use a straw for one to two days after removal to keep the blood clot in place
• Brush or floss at the site of extraction
• Brush your gums for 24 hours after your procedure
• Drink hot beverages or hot foods for 24 hours after the procedure

What are the signs that something isn’t right?

An extraction, by nature, creates a wound that needs to heal. It’s normal for this wound to bleed lightly for about 24 hours after your tooth is removed. If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms, however, call our office immediately:

• Your pain and/or swelling are getting worse instead of better
• Your bleeding increases or does not diminish after 24 hours
• You have a high fever
• You feel nauseous or start vomiting
• You experience intense pain that spreads toward the ear
• The fluids coming from the wound taste or smell putrid
• You can’t fully open your mouth a week after the procedure

How can I get more information about tooth extractions?

At Chester Family Dentistry, we can help you understand more about tooth extractions and explore options for your oral health. Our practice offers many services to keep your mouth healthy. 

To learn more about extractions or discuss other dental treatments, contact our office and request an appointment.